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We start with a milestone¹ for the measles². This year there have been at least 681 cases of the disease stretched across 22 U.S. states. That's the highest number on record since the measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in the year 2000. Being eliminated doesn't mean it's completely gone. It means the country went more than 12 months without people continuously catching³ the disease.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says the current outbreaks are linked to people who traveled to other countries and brought the measles back with them. No one has died in the outbreaks. Most of children who've been infected were not fully⁴ vaccinated⁵ against the measles, though some were and caught it anyway. The vaccine⁶ offered in America isn't just for the measles. It's called MMR, standing⁷ for measles, mumps⁸, and rubella, the three diseases it aims to prevent. Doctors recommend two doses of this vaccine in early childhood.

The CDC says there's a remote chance that the MMR vaccine can cause side effects and even serious injuries which is why some parents are holding off on getting it for their children. But experts say the benefits of the vaccine outweigh⁹ its risks. Measles is highly contagious¹⁰. Symptoms include high fevers, coughing, and a skin rash.